Human rights activists should be concerned about companies’ putting the "need" to protect themselves as employers before the rights of citizens/ employees/consumers who may not have actually done anything wrong. How might this set-up cope with "Raising a concern" policies and practices, one wonders?

Mrs.JosephineHyde-Hartley, Bacup, UK

There is a profession dedicated to decide WHO is wrong or right, and it is NOT called 'blacklister'. Only judges can judge.

Each person has (or not) a crime record. Use that if You want. But only CONVICTIONS count, not accusations, not opinions, not rumors.

Rui, Lisbon,

There already is a legal system that may convict anyone for theft, that being the case. Why would any one want to cut the corner of legal procedure?

The legal sistem secures the 'right to defence' and the 'innocent until proven guilty' principle. Why would anyone want to avoid that?

Rui, Lisbon,

I don't see why fraudsters and thieves should benefit from privacy just because they haven't been taken to court. Employers need to know who they are hiring even if it only raises questions at the interview as to circumstances. If you don't want to be on the list then don't steal, it's that simple

Mike Thomas, London,

This would not be required if we had an effective police force and justice system.
As we don't, I welcome this. I can see its drawbacks, but I have no wish to subsidise thieves on the inside who cost all of us more than thieves on the outside.

Dave, Slough,

If a company is ever in the wrong they will often arrange an agreeementt and myabe compensation to avoid going to court, this often includes a gagging order on the former employee.
Fair's fair if employers want this then all private agreements of this type should be made public

jane, oxford, uk

Surely now firms will have to prosecute staff or being included on the list without evidence will lead to leagal action for deformation of character/slander against a previous employer.
It can only be a good thing in long run.

James, Ascot, UK

Those who think their human rights are being infringed should just keep their hands out of the till!

James, Ascot, UK

snitchers charter, another step towards the stasi society created by nulabour where the population can be informed upon and are guilty until proven innocent, this system is open to widespread abuse and malicous tactics!

Richard de Gerber, Kingston upon Thames, UK

Vote with your feet - dont shop at firms that sign up to this sinister black-listing database.

Its totally un-British, and threatens everyones basic rights to Justice.

John, Twickenham,

The usual Labour mess. A reasonably good idea executed shoddily and with no regard for balance, civil rights or justice. How many people will have their working lives ruined by workplace malice?

Oscar, Edinburgh, UK

an industry-wide blacklist will raise serious legal problems for the industry. It also brings the ban on secondary industrial action to the fore, why should employees not hit back with a blacklist of their own and ban 'bad' employers?

Heinz Geyer, London,

Will it include all the directors of the companies? 'No.' They will get their golden handshakes and go on to another directorship. The plan is against the EU Directives on recent 2004 employment law - An ex-employee will be able to take their case to an Employment Tribunal - no time limits.

Thomas, Verwood, UK

Innocent untill proven guilty, a mainstay of our society along with democtaticly elected law makers. This should and must be challenged in a court of law, however justified in the mind of big business, it is just plain wrong.

mike gee, bournemouth, uk

I have no time for thieves or fraudsters. Is there going to be a register of corporate gangsters that have been running parts of British business and commerce in recent years? The list is endless. I will be happy to provide the evidence.

Jim, Consett, England

Why on earth would anyone be against this idea? It's to stop fraudsters and thieves - what's wrong with that? There's zero chance of anyone being on the database incorrectly - and if there was an odd exception to prove that rule, that person could sue. Anyone can check they are on it.

Rahul, London,

It would make a refreshing change if, just for once, 'human rights activists' were not seen to be defending only the human rights of criminals and wasters.

Victoria, London, UK

So employees will be on this register even if they have not been prosecuted. How many of these employers allow their staff to have trade union representation?

Paul, Coventry,

I see Harrods is on the list, it's owner Mr Al-Fayed has accused Prince Philip of murdering Princess Diana. His application for citizenship was rejected on the grounds that he was not of good character yet he will now be able to sentence you to a lifetime of
unemployment.

John, York, Yorkshire

Will firms who have paid out on unfair dismissal cases be allowed to use the system?

That would exclude all the participants I have seen listed, I would imagine.

John, York, Yorkshire